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Meet the artist

"I don't use any chemicals because I want to contribute to the preservation of the environment and our planet. I make the colors from natural elements such as leaves, seeds and flowers."

"Hola! I was born and raised in Teotitlán del Valle, home of the legendary Zapotec rugs. It is a beautiful place and I have fond memories of growing up with my five siblings and parents, all of them artisans. I wasn't able to finish school due to financial difficulties, but I knew I wanted to perfect my skills weaving rugs. My brothers are Gregorio and Alberto, Novica featured artists, and I'm related to the Ruiz Bazan Family.

"I started learning when I was 12 years old because I’ve always been intrigued with this Zapotec legacy of ours. Now I enjoy creating my own designs as it represents a way of self-expression. I remember the first rug I ever made, it was 15 x 19 inches in shades of red and it takes place of pride in my home.

"Everyone criticized the second design I made for the colors I used and yet it's the one that sold the most!

"I've been dedicated to this craft since 1999 and now I even have my own workshop where people can come and see that my art is natural, cheerful and inspired by the sunset.

"After shearing the sheep we clean and wash the wool so we can card it with large wire combs so it's soft and then we can spin it on a wood spinning wheel. We wash it again with a plant called amole which grows here in the mountain and makes a lot of foam. That way the wool doesn't lose its purity. If we were to wash it with a commercial soap, the wool loses its luster and makes it almost impossible for the natural dyes to take.

"We then let the wool dry prior to dying with such organic pigments as cochineal, pomegranate peelings, oak bark, peelings off the huacal tree, and walnut shell. We take the lichen off the rocks, and we also use flowers. We let the dye stand for about a month and, when it's ready, we bring it to a boil, then we let the hanks of wool soak for about half an hour. Then we let them dry and breathe. We wash them again to stop the discoloring.

"We wrap the wool on reed bobbins so we can use it in the loom. When we start weaving, a small rug can take us up to three days, whereas a large one can take up to a month and a half.

"I hope you like my rugs because I weave them with natural wool. I don't use any chemicals because I want to contribute to the preservation of the environment and our planet. I make the colors from natural elements such as leaves, seeds and flowers.

"My family and I have been working hand in hand with Novica since 2009. Over these years, we've been able to grow and not only economically, which is the result of steady work. We have also grown in our vision and are creating more designs in more colors.

"The most constant change has been in the quality of our weavings. Before we began working with Novica, our standard was fairly simple. But as we caught sight of the vision of exporting our textiles to other countries, we realized we had to work to new standards.

"Another important change was the growth of our workshop. We began with only two looms but today, we have six and are able to give work to four families.

"Working with Novica has given me serenity because I have the certainty that our work is appreciated by people with good eyes and good hearts.

"Some of our challenges have been amusing. One of them is weaving large-size rugs with new colors. But for us, receiving an order from Novica is a blessing.

"Each one of our weavings is done with love and dedication. We have the confidence and the security that our work receives a fair price.

"We're happy to continue working with Novica. Thanks to each and every one of you who let us continue to do what we love best."

We pack, ship, certify and 100% guarantee the quality of this item. Watch this video to see how.

This item is available for backorder and will ship within 2 to 4 weeks. Artists love to get backorders. Placing a backorder ensures that the artisan will do their best to create and deliver your item to our local office for shipment.

Although we cannot guarantee availability, we do expect to be able to fill the order within the timeframe indicated. But sometimes life happens - special materials may not be immediately available to the artist, or there might be some other circumstance beyond our control that could delay the shipment.

If for any reason we are unable to ship the item within the timeframe indicated, we will notify you.

This item has a special shipping flat fee which means that due to bulk, duties, or other special requirements, the item will be shipped to you via one of our special one-rate services. Shipping is only available to the United States (lower 48 States only).

We refer to these items as "discounted wholesale". Such items carry a deeper wholesale discount than other items, and have greater potential to provide your business with healthier resale margins.

Triple 'Win' Pricing

Kiva Store offers triple win pricing, where YOU the consumer, Children from around the world, and Artisans all benefit.

WIN # 1 You Save!

Handmade goods from developing nations usually pass through a series of intermediaries before being purchased by retail consumers. Each of these intermediaries adds cost to the product, and that cost is passed on to the customer. The U.S. Fund for Kiva partnered with NOVICA, who works directly with artists through their regional offices in Asia, Africa and Latin America, allowing purchases from Kiva Store to go directly from the artisans to fulfilling customer orders. By skipping steps in the traditional supply chain, you can buy high quality items for less than the regular retail prices.

WIN # 2 Children Benefit!

Each item purchased from Kiva Store will benefit Kiva's programmes that provide lifesaving nutrition, medicine, education, clean water, emergency relief and more to children in need.

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Triple 'Win' Pricing

Kiva Store offers triple win pricing, where YOU the consumer, Children from around the world, and Artisans all benefit.

WIN # 1 You Save!

Handmade goods from developing nations usually pass through a series of intermediaries before being purchased by retail consumers. Each of these intermediaries adds cost to the product, and that cost is passed on to the customer. The U.S. Fund for Kiva partnered with NOVICA, who works directly with artists through their regional offices in Asia, Africa and Latin America, allowing purchases from Kiva Store to go directly from the artisans to fulfilling customer orders. By skipping steps in the traditional supply chain, you can buy high quality items for less than the regular retail prices.

WIN # 2 Children Benefit!

Each item purchased from Kiva Store will benefit Kiva's programmes that provide lifesaving nutrition, medicine, education, clean water, emergency relief and more to children in need.

The Kiva Store is powered by NOVICA and accepts payments using PayPal. Your Kiva Store purchases are not connected to your Kiva lending account.

Kiva is a 501(c)3 U.S. nonprofit fueled by passionate people. Founded in 2005, and based in San Francisco, with offices in Nairobi and staff around the globe. Donate to our operating expenses (eligible for a tax deduction in the U.S.).